In almost all cases, the sharing of copyright-protected music or software is a copyright infringement and illegal.

It is your responsibility to determine whether a download site is legal or not. If in doubt, it’s best to stay away.

Do not install P2P file-sharing software on your computer

By default, P2P applications will search for and share content on your computer with others. P2P applications usually run as soon as you turn on your computer and continue to run in the background. Even if you disable uploading, copyrighted content in a “shared” folder can be seen by others using the same P2P network and many P2P programs may reset preferences to resume uploading.

The RIAA and other content owners use the same P2P software that file sharers do. Their aim is to catch file sharers sharing their protected content with others. If you’re running a P2P program, chances are that the RIAA is running the same software. In fact, the person downloading a song from you may be working for the RIAA and may be compiling evidence to sue you. It has happened to thousands of P2P users, and it can happen to you.

Do not use a University network for file sharing

File sharers at universities are specifically targeted by the recording industry, movie studios, game, and software companies. University networks service fewer people than your local Internet service provider, so it is easier to locate you on a university network.

Secure your wireless router in your home

If you use VPN connections from home, your home network becomes visible as part of the Suffolk network.

Portions of this page are based on web documentation produced by Yale University and are used with permission.